Weapon Requirements

The weapons used in TPLA Saber-Lab are LED lightsabers and consist of a few distinct parts. Each of these parts must conform to the standards set by TPLA to be considered legal weapons.

LED saber consist of two main parts: the hilt and the blade.

Hilt: the hilt is the handle or the shaft of the saber. The hilt cannot be used to parry or block a blade.

Size: Hilts can be of any length or size but must be able to be wielded without dropping it in full padded gloves and gear. If one cannot grab the hilt and touch the tips of their fingers together, it will not be allowed.

Emitters/blade holder/ guard: Emitters can be of almost any size or shape but must conform to both the protrusions rule (see below) and the following:

1.Emitters must be one piece, any additional claws, guards, or accessories that are attached externally must be removed.

2. any electronics contained in the emitter must be contained and secured inside the saber even if breakage should occur.

Hilt main body:The main body of the hilt is considered to be the shaft of whatever length is used that provide the handle and contain the electronics. Any activation boxes buttons or embellishments must conform to protrusion standards.

Pommel: The pommel is considered to be the last section of the main body, often an end cap containing the batteries. Pommels can be of any length but must be securely fastened to the hilt. Pommels cannot be pointed or spiked at the end to be considered legal.

Blade: the blade is the illuminated portion of the weapon and is the implement with which one can score. There are two grades of blade used in TPLA competition: mid-grade and heavy grade.

All blades will be separated into two portions: the quick and strong.

There are three standard lengths of blades. All of these lengths are total length of the blade including the portion not exposed. A mark will be applied to visually indicate where the division is. The standard lengths are:

40"/101cm blade: Strong=20inch/51cm minus the emitter depth

36"/91cm blade: Strong=18inch/46cm minus the emitter depth

32"/81cm blade: Strong=16inch/41cm minus the emitter depth

24"/60cm blade: Strong=15inch/38cm minus the emitter depth

(anything shorter than 24" will have a 15)

The strong of the blade is no less than the first 1st 12 inches from the top of the emitter.

The quick of the blade is in front of the strong to the tip.

All tips must be round. There are No bullet or pointed tip allowed in sparring under any circumstances.

Protrusion Standards:

Many of the sabers we use have many buttons and other ornaments to add interest to the hilt. If one has any of these ornaments that protrudes from the lit, they will be subject to the following standards:

1. Protrusions cannot be more than 1 inch from the surface of the hilt. Exceptions can be made for emitter guards as long as they conform to the other standards.

2. NO spikes, hooks, claws, or metal blades on the hilt will be allowed in sparring or competition. Noting with a point or edge that can pierce, cut or split. If they can be removed the rest of the hilt is still legal.

3. No glass or other breakable materials that can shatter or break off into sharp pieces will be allowed. Referees have discretion is determining what materials can be used during match play.